Ruth Maria Ruperti was the first woman to receive a doctorate from the University of South Africa.

Born in Wynberg, Cape Town, Ruth obtained her BA degree in 1934. She spent many years as a teacher in various schools around South Africa including schools in Bloemfontein, Durban and Pretoria.

In 1960, she became the first woman to receive a doctorate (Doctor of Education) from Unisa and in 1966 she joined the university as a Senior Lecturer of Didactics and Comparative Education. Thanks to her work at the university, by 1970, Unisa’s library had one of the best selections of official publications on education in South Africa.. Read more

Despite having to juggle between many different responsibilities while studying, Uneiza Rassul has remained determined to obtain a degree. Read more

Thabo Mbeki and deputy president, Kgalema Motlanthe, were amongst the dignitaries who attended the launch of volumes 5 and 6 of The road to democracy in South Africa series at Unisa. Read more